Metsger Names Chief Policy Adviser

The NCUA confirmed on Friday that NCUA Board Member Rick Metsger has chosen Michael Radway, a Democratic Party official in Oregon, as his senior policy adviser.

“Michael comes to us with an impressive legislative and policy background, and a deep knowledge of the credit union model,” Metsger said in a statement.

“His commitment to public service includes work in finance, affordable housing, community development and education. He has the kind of broad experience in policy development, legislation, strategic planning and outreach that make him an excellent fit for the role of Senior Policy Advisor," the new board member's statement said. "I am looking forward to working with him, and I am sure that NCUA will benefit from his energy and judgment.”

Radway, a Democratic National Committee member, currently serves as senior director of government relations for the Knowledge Learning Corp. in Portland, Ore. Metsger is a former Oregon state legislator.

“Mike spent 21 years working as legislative director for Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives and as a professional staff member for the House Banking Committee, where he served as a principal investigator for House Democrats during numerous GOP witch hunts launched against President Clinton,” according to his biography on the Democratic Party of Oregon website.

“He also organized a successful effort to pass legislation overturning a 5-4 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court which made it difficult for consumers to join credit unions,” the biography also said.

The page containing Radway’s biography on the Democratic Party of Oregon website was accessible as of Wednesday but has since been locked. It now requires a username and password.

Sources told Credit Union Times that White House approval is pending. The White House would not confirm the approval of Radway when contacted about the matter earlier this week. Radway was unavailable for comment.